ALWAYS REFORMING: A sinner saved by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone adhering to Scripture alone to bring about reform personally, for his family, church, and world to the glory of God alone.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Would an ape make a human doll that talked?

What is a movie genre?

I enjoy comedies, but some of my favorite movies fall into a peculiar genre that I can easier describe than label.

I really enjoy movies where I find myself (typically at the end) saying, "Hmm. I didn't see that coming" or "Hey, that's an interesting thought" or "I'm gonna have to see that again to soak up the fullness of that."

The best of these can leave me wondering "What if?" for quite some time afterward. The films tend to have a message and are designed more for you to think that to merely be entertained, not that thinking isn't entertaining, mind you.

I've heard these films referred to as being "transcendent," but I would say they have a high slooge quotient, with all the accolades inherent therein.

To give you an idea of what I'm talking about, I share with you some of my favorite movies that I think have a high slooge quotient.

N.B. These are not typically great "date movies," and my wife is often apathetic, underwhelmed, or whipped by movies with a high slooge quotient. Also, some of these movies are "one-timers," since knowing the ending can ruin the rising action the 2nd time through.

For those two, you can kind of anticipate the ending now; but they came out in 1999 (the same year as "The Matrix") before the whole "question the nature of reality" plot had become cliche.

But before there was "The Matrix", there was "Dark City"....

And what's up with blowing off "Donnie Darko"?

For a truly mind-bending time travel film, check out "Primer". It was filmed in Dallas, some on the UTD campus. Be advised however: "Primer" *must* be watched at least twice, preferably three times before you really begin to appreciate what's going on (fortunately, it's fairly short).

While I am not entirely sure of what "Slooge" means... I like you list. My beloved wife also smirks at my choice of favorite movies... but I am willing to watch movies over, and over, and over, and over again. I once watched Back to the Future for two and a half days.